Video Processing Unit for a Visual Prosthetic Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A visual prosthesis apparatus comprising: a video capture device for capturing a video image; a video processing unit associated with the video capture device, the video processing unit configured to convert the video image to stimulation patterns; and a retinal stimulation system configured to stimulate neural tissue in a subject&#39;s eye based on the stimulation patterns, wherein the video processing unit is configured to be powered on after a first time interval upon activation of a power button, wherein the video processing unit is configured to be powered off after a second time interval upon activation of a power button.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Design patent applicationSer. No. 29/291,134 (Applicant's reference number S481-DES), filed Aug.15, 2007 for “Video Processing Unit For Prosthetic Apparatus”, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.This application claims the benefit of to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/881,433 (Applicant's reference number S435-USA), filed Jul. 27,2007 for “Visual Prosthesis”, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. This application claims priority toPCT application No. PCT/US2007/013918 (applicant's docket numberS416-PCT) for “Apparatus and Method for Electrical Stimulation of HumanRetina” filed on Jun. 15, 2007, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The present invention was made with support from the United StatesGovernment under Grant number R24EY12893-01, awarded by the NationalInstitutes of Health. The United States Government has certain rights inthe invention.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to visual prostheses configured toprovide neutral stimulation for the creation of artificial vision.

BACKGROUND

In 1755 LeRoy passed the discharge of a Leyden jar through the orbit ofa man who was blind from cataract and the patient saw “flames passingrapidly downwards.” Ever since, there has been a fascination withelectrically elicited visual perception. The general concept ofelectrical stimulation of retinal cells to produce these flashes oflight or phosphenes has been known for quite some time. Based on thesegeneral principles, some early attempts at devising a prosthesis foraiding the visually impaired have included attaching electrodes to thehead or eyelids of patients. While some of these early attempts met withsome limited success, these early prosthetic devices were large, bulkyand could not produce adequate simulated vision to truly aid thevisually impaired.

In the early 1930's, Foerster investigated the effect of electricallystimulating the exposed occipital pole of one cerebral hemisphere. Hefound that, when a point at the extreme occipital pole was stimulated,the patient perceived a small spot of light directly in front andmotionless (a phosphene). Subsequently, Brindley and Lewin (1968)thoroughly studied electrical stimulation of the human occipital(visual) cortex. By varying the stimulation parameters, theseinvestigators described in detail the location of the phosphenesproduced relative to the specific region of the occipital cortexstimulated. These experiments demonstrated: (1) the consistent shape andposition of phosphenes; (2) that increased stimulation pulse durationmade phosphenes brighter; and (3) that there was no detectableinteraction between neighboring electrodes which were as close as 2.4 mmapart.

As intraocular surgical techniques have advanced, it has become possibleto apply stimulation on small groups and even on individual retinalcells to generate focused phosphenes through devices implanted withinthe eye itself. This has sparked renewed interest in developing methodsand apparatuses to aid the visually impaired. Specifically, great efforthas been expended in the area of intraocular visual prosthesis devicesin an effort to restore vision in cases where blindness is caused byphotoreceptor degenerative retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosaand age related macular degeneration which affect millions of peopleworldwide.

Neural tissue can be artificially stimulated and activated by prostheticdevices that pass pulses of electrical current through electrodes onsuch a device. The passage of current causes changes in electricalpotentials across visual neuronal membranes, which can initiate visualneuron action potentials, which are the means of information transfer inthe nervous system.

Based on this mechanism, it is possible to input information into thenervous system by coding the information as a sequence of electricalpulses which are relayed to the nervous system via the prostheticdevice. In this way, it is possible to provide artificial sensationsincluding vision.

One typical application of neural tissue stimulation is in therehabilitation of the blind. Some forms of blindness involve selectiveloss of the light sensitive transducers of the retina. Other retinalneurons remain viable, however, and may be activated in the mannerdescribed above by placement of a prosthetic electrode device on theinner (toward the vitreous) retinal surface (epiretial). This placementmust be mechanically stable, minimize the distance between the deviceelectrodes and the visual neurons, and avoid undue compression of thevisual neurons.

In 1986, Bullara (U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,481) patented an electrodeassembly for surgical implantation on a nerve. The matrix was siliconewith embedded iridium electrodes. The assembly fit around a nerve tostimulate it.

Dawson and Radtke stimulated cat's retina by direct electricalstimulation of the retinal ganglion cell layer. These experimentersplaced nine and then fourteen electrodes upon the inner retinal layer(i.e., primarily the ganglion cell layer) of two cats. Their experimentssuggested that electrical stimulation of the retina with 30 to 100 uAcurrent resulted in visual cortical responses. These experiments werecarried out with needle-shaped electrodes that penetrated the surface ofthe retina (see also U.S. Pat. No. 4,628,933 to Michelson).

The Michelson '933 apparatus includes an array of photosensitive deviceson its surface that are connected to a plurality of electrodespositioned on the opposite surface of the device to stimulate theretina. These electrodes are disposed to form an array similar to a “bedof nails” having conductors which impinge directly on the retina tostimulate the retinal cells. U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,049 to Byers describesspike electrodes for neural stimulation. Each spike electrode piercesneural tissue for better electrical contact. U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,088 toNorman describes an array of spike electrodes for cortical stimulation.Each spike pierces cortical tissue for better electrical contact.

The art of implanting an intraocular prosthetic device to electricallystimulate the retina was advanced with the introduction of retinal tacksin retinal surgery. De Juan, et al. at Duke University Eye Centerinserted retinal tacks into retinas in an effort to reattach retinasthat had detached from the underlying choroid, which is the source ofblood supply for the outer retina and thus the photoreceptors. See,e.g., E. de Juan, et al., 99 μm. J. Opthalmol. 272 (1985). These retinaltacks have proved to be biocompatible and remain embedded in the retina,and choroid/sclera, effectively pinning the retina against the choroidand the posterior aspects of the globe. Retinal tacks are one way toattach a retinal array to the retina. U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,844 to de Juandescribes a flat electrode array placed against the retina for visualstimulation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,155 to Humayun describes a visualprosthesis for use with the flat retinal array described in de Juan.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, a visual prosthesis apparatus is disclosed,the a visual prosthesis apparatus comprising: a video capture device forcapturing a video image; a video processing unit associated with thevideo capture device, the video processing unit configured to convertthe video image to stimulation patterns; and a retinal stimulationsystem configured to stimulate neural tissue in a subject's eye based onthe stimulation patterns, wherein the video processing unit isconfigured to be powered on after a first time interval upon activationof a power button, wherein the video processing unit is configured to bepowered off after a second time interval upon activation of a powerbutton.

According to a second aspect, a visual prosthesis apparatus isdisclosed, the a visual prosthesis apparatus comprising: a video capturedevice for capturing a video image; a video processing unit associatedwith the video capture device, the video processing unit comprising avideo processor for converting the video image to a digital videostream; a memory for storing the digital video stream; a videopreprocessor data interface for forming stimulation patterns based onthe stored digital video stream; and a retinal stimulation systemconfigured to stimulate neural tissue in a subject's eye based on thestimulation patterns.

According to a third aspect, a video processing unit is disclosed, thevideo processing unit configured to convert a video image to stimulationpatterns for stimulating neural tissue in a subject's eye and comprisinga power button, wherein the video processing unit is configured to bepowered on after a first time interval upon activation of a powerbutton, wherein the video processing unit is configured to be poweredoff after a second time interval upon activation of a power button.

According to a fourth aspect, a video processing unit configured toconvert a video image to stimulation patterns for stimulating neuraltissue in a subject's eye is disclosed, the video processing unitcomprising a video processor for converting a video image to a digitalvideo stream; a memory for storing the digital video stream; and a videopreprocessor data interface for forming stimulation patterns based onthe stored digital video stream.

According to a fifth aspect, a method for providing artificial vision isdisclosed, the method comprising powering a video processing unit afirst amount of time after a power button is activated; capturing avideo image; converting the video image to stimulation patterns usingthe video processing unit; and stimulating neural tissue in a subject'seye based on the stimulation patterns.

According to a sixth aspect, a method for providing artificial vision isdisclosed, the method comprising capturing a video image; converting thevideo image to a digital video stream; storing the digital video stream;forming stimulation patterns based on the stored digital video stream;and stimulating neural tissue in a subject's eye based on thestimulation patterns.

According to a seventh aspect, a visual prosthesis apparatus isdisclosed, the visual prosthesis apparatus comprising: a video capturedevice for capturing a video image; a video processing unit associatedwith the video capture device, the video processing unit configured toconvert the video image to stimulation patterns; and a retinalstimulation system configured to stimulate neural tissue in a subject'seye based on the stimulation patterns, wherein the video processing unitis configured to be powered on after a first time interval uponactivation of a power button, wherein the video processing unit isconfigured to be powered off after a second time interval uponactivation of a power button, wherein the video processing unit isdisposed on a visor.

According to a eight aspect, a visual prosthesis apparatus is disclosed,the video prosthesis apparatus comprising a video capture device forcapturing a video image; a video processing unit associated with thevideo capture device, the video processing unit comprising a videoprocessor for converting the video image to a digital video stream; amemory for storing the digital video stream; a video preprocessor datainterface for forming stimulation patterns based on the stored digitalvideo stream; and a retinal stimulation system configured to stimulateneural tissue in a subject's eye based on the stimulation patterns,wherein the video processing unit is disposed on a visor.

According to a ninth aspect, a video processing unit is disclosed, thevideo processing unit configured to convert a video image to stimulationpatterns for stimulating neural tissue in a subject's eye and comprisinga power button, wherein the video processing unit is configured to bepowered on after a first time interval upon activation of a powerbutton, wherein the video processing unit is configured to be poweredoff after a second time interval upon activation of a power button,wherein the video processing unit is disposed on a visor.

Further embodiments are shown in the specification, drawings and claimsof the present application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a visual prosthesis apparatus according to the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a retinal stimulation system adapted to be implantedinto a subject.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the implanted retinal stimulation system.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the implanted system of FIG. 9.

FIGS. 6A and 7 show a video capture/transmission apparatus or visoradapted to be used in combination with the retinal stimulation system ofFIGS. 2-5.

FIG. 6B shows exploded view of the external coil arrangement andmounting system shown in FIGS. 6A and 7.

FIG. 8 shows a flexible circuit electrode array, also shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 shows components of a fitting system according to the presentdisclosure, the system also comprising the visor shown in FIGS. 6A-6Band 7.

FIG. 10 shows the visual prosthesis apparatus in a stand-alone mode,i.e. comprising the visor connected to a video processing unit.

FIGS. 11A-G and 12 show the video processing unit already briefly shownwith reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIGS. 13-1, 13-2, 13-3 and 13-4 show an exemplary embodiment of a videoprocessing unit.

FIG. 13-1 should be viewed at the left of FIG. 13-2. FIG. 13-3 should beviewed at the left of FIG. 13-4. FIGS. 13-1 and 13-2 should be viewed ontop of FIGS. 13-3 and 13-4.

FIGS. 14-1, 14-2, 14-3 and 14-4 show another exemplary embodiment of avideo processing unit. FIG. 14-1 should be viewed at the left of FIG.14-2. FIG. 14-3 should be viewed at the left of FIG. 14-4. FIGS. 14-1and 14-2 should be viewed on top of FIGS. 14-3 and 14-4.

In the following description, like reference numbers are used toidentify like elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended toillustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammaticmanner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of everyimplementation nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and arenot drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is concerned with a visual apparatus and a methodfor creation of artificial vision. In particular, the present disclosureprovides an interface and method for controlling a visual prosthesis(i.e. device) implanted in an individual patient (i.e. subject) tocreate artificial vision.

FIG. 1 shows a visual prosthesis apparatus. The visual apparatuscomprises, in combination, an implantable retinal stimulation system 1and a video capture/transmission apparatus or visor embodied invisor/Glasses 5. An exemplary retinal stimulation system 1 is shown inmore detail in FIGS. 2-5 and an exemplary visor 5 is shown in moredetail in FIGS. 6 and 7.

The retinal stimulation system 1 is further disclosed in U.S.application Ser. No. 11/207,644, filed Aug. 19, 2005 for “FlexibleCircuit Electrode Array” by Robert J. Greenberg, et, al. incorporatedherein by reference, and is intended for use in subjects with retinitispigmentosa. The visor 5 is further disclosed in International PatentApplication No. PCT/US07/13918, (Applicant's Docket No. S416-PCT) filedon Jun. 14, 2007 and entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ELECTRICALSTIMULATION OF HUMAN RETINA,” also incorporated herein by reference.

The exemplary retinal stimulation system 1, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, isan implantable electronic device containing an inductive coil 116 and anelectrode array 2 that is electrically coupled by a cable 3 that piercessclera of the subject's eye to an electronics package 4, external to thesclera. The retinal stimulation system 1 is designed, for example, toelicit visual percepts in blind subjects with retinitis pigmentosa.

Human vision provides a field of view that is wider than it is high.This is partially due to fact that we have two eyes, but even a singleeye provides a field of view that is approximately 90° high and 140° to160° degrees wide. It is therefore, advantageous to provide a flexiblecircuit electrode array 2 that is wider than it is tall. This is equallyapplicable to a cortical visual array. In which case, the widerdimension is not horizontal on the visual cortex, but corresponds tohorizontal in the visual scene.

FIG. 8 shows the flexible circuit electrode array 2 prior to folding andattaching to the electronics package 4 of FIG. 2. At one end of theflexible circuit cable 3 is an interconnection pad 52 for connection tothe electronics package 4. At the other end of the flexible circuitcable 3 is the flexible circuit electrode array 2. Further, anattachment point 54 may be provided near the flexible circuit electrodearray 2. A retina tack (not shown) is placed through the attachmentpoint 54 to hold the flexible circuit electrode array 2 to the retina. Astress relief 57 may be provided surrounding the attachment point 54.The stress relief 57 may be made of a softer polymer than the flexiblecircuit, or it may include cutouts or thinning of the polymer to reducethe stress transmitted from the retina tack to the flexible circuitelectrode array 2. The flexible circuit cable 3 may be formed in a dogleg pattern so than when it is folded at fold 48 it effectively forms astraight flexible circuit cable 3 with a narrower portion at the fold 48for passing through the sclerotomy. The electrode array 2 may comprise apolyimide cable that houses wire conductors and an array of exposedplatinum electrodes in a grid. In one embodiment, there are sixtyelectrodes arranged in a 6×10 grid.

The electronics package 4 of FIGS. 2 and 3 can be electrically coupledto the inductive coil 116. In one aspect, the inductive coil 116contains a receiver and transmitter antennae made from wound wire.Alternatively, the inductive coil 116 may be made from a thin filmpolymer sandwich with wire traces deposited between layers of thin filmpolymer. The electronics package 4 may contain components and anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) for processing thereceived data and using the received power to generate the requiredstimulation output. The electronics package 4 and the inductive coil 116may be held together by a molded body 118 shown in FIG. 3. As also shownin FIG. 3, the molded body 118 may also include suture tabs 120 shown inFIG. 3. The molded body narrows to form a strap 122 which surrounds thesclera and holds the molded body 118, inductive coil 116, andelectronics package 4 in place. The molded body 118, suture tabs 120 andstrap 122 are preferably an integrated unit made of silicone elastomer.Silicone elastomer can be formed in a pre-curved shape to match thecurvature of a typical sclera. Furthermore, silicone remains flexibleenough to accommodate implantation and to adapt to variations in thecurvature of an individual sclera. In one aspect, the inductive coil 116and molded body 118 are oval shaped, and in this way, a strap 122 canbetter support the oval shaped coil.

The eye moves constantly. The eye moves to scan a scene and also has ajitter motion to prevent image stabilization. Even though such motion isuseless in the blind, it often continues long after a person has losttheir sight. Thus, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, theentire retinal stimulation system 1 of the prosthesis is attached to andsupported by the sclera of a subject. By placing the device under therectus muscles with the electronics package in an area of fatty tissuebetween the rectus muscles, eye motion does not cause any flexing whichmight fatigue, and eventually damage, the device.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the retinal stimulation system 1, inparticular, emphasizing the fan tail 124. When the retinal prosthesis isimplanted, the strap 122 is passed under the eye muscles to surround thesclera. The inductive coil 116 and molded body 118 should also followthe strap under the lateral rectus muscle on the side of the sclera. Theretinal stimulation system 1 of the visual prosthesis apparatus is verydelicate. It is easy to tear the molded body 118 or break wires in theinductive coil 116. In order to allow the molded body 118 to slidesmoothly under the lateral rectus muscle, the molded body is shaped inthe form of a fan tail 124 on the end opposite the electronics package4. Element 123 shows a retention sleeve, while elements 126 and 128 showholes for surgical positioning and a ramp for surgical positioning,respectively.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show front and side views of the Retinal stimulationsystem 1 implanted with respect to the subject's eye 7. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the electrode array 2 enters the eye through a pars planaincision and is placed on the retina over the fovea using a retinaltack. The remaining Retinal stimulation system 1 is secured to the eyeby means of a scleral band held in place by a Watzke sleeve (typical ofscleral procedures), and also by suture tabs. Additionally, anothersuture may be placed around the scleral band in the inferior medicalquadrant of the eye.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 7, the glasses 5 may comprise, for example, aframe 11 holding a camera 12, an external coil 14 and a mounting system16 for the external coil 14. The mounting system 16 may also enclose theRF circuitry. In this configuration, the video camera 12 captures livevideo. The video signal is sent to an external Video Processing Unit(VPU) 20 (shown in FIGS. 9-12 and discussed below), which processes thevideo signal and subsequently transforms the processed video signal intoelectrical stimulation patterns or data. The electrical stimulation dataare then sent to the external coil 14 that sends both data and power viaradio-frequency (RF) telemetry to the coil 116 of the retinalstimulation system 1, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The coil 116 receives theRF commands which control the application specific integrated circuit(ASIC) which in turn delivers stimulation to the retina of the subjectvia a thin film electrode array (TFEA). In one aspect of an embodiment,light amplitude is recorded by the camera 12. The VPU 20 may use alogarithmic encoding scheme to convert the incoming light amplitudesinto the electrical stimulation patterns or data. These electricalstimulation patterns or data may then be passed on to the RetinalStimulation System 1, which results in the retinal cells beingstimulated via the electrodes in the electrode array 2 (shown in FIGS.2, 3 and 8). In one exemplary embodiment, the electrical stimulationpatterns or data being transmitted by the external coil 14 is binarydata. The external coil 14 may contain a receiver and transmitterantennae and a radio-frequency (RF) electronics card for communicatingwith the internal coil 116.

FIG. 6B shows an exploded view of the external coil arrangement 14 andmounting system 16. As also shown in FIGS. 6A and 7, the external coilarrangement 14 and mounting system 16 are connected by a flexibleconnector 1506. In particular, the flexible connector 1506 is attachedto RF coil enclosure halves 1507 and 1508 on the coil side and toenclosure case halves 1509 and 1510 on the mounting system side. Theexternal coil arrangement 14 comprises coil enclosure halves 1507 and1508, enclosing printed circuit boards (PCB) 1511 and 1512 surroundingan RF transmitting coil 1513. The PCBs 1511 and 1512 may further includetelemetry receiving coils. The mounting system 16 comprises case halves1509 and 1510 enclosing an RF visor cable assembly 1514. Othermechanical components shown in FIG. 6B include: wires 1515 connectingPCBs 1511 and 1512; a mounting bracket 1516; and RF circuitry 1501located between case halves 1509 and 1510. While video image processingis done in a VPU 20 (shown in FIGS. 11-12), the RF circuitry 1501 isincorporated into the mounting system 16 to reduce losses in the cableconnecting the VPU 20 to the Glasses 5. PCBs 1511 and 1512 can be madeof glass base epoxy and laminated with copper. An exemplary circuitaldiagram of RF circuitry 1501 is shown in FIGS. 13-1 to 13-4.

Referring to FIG. 9, a Fitting System (FS) may be used to configure andoptimize the visual prosthesis apparatus shown in FIG. 1. The FittingSystem is fully described in the related application U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/796,425, filed on Apr. 27, 2007, (Applicant's Docket No.S401-USA) which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The Fitting System may comprise custom software with a graphical userinterface running on a dedicated laptop computer 10. Within the FittingSystem are modules for performing diagnostic checks of the implant,loading and executing video configuration files, viewing electrodevoltage waveforms, and aiding in conducting psychophysical experiments.A video module can be used to download a video configuration file to theVideo Processing Unit (VPU) 20 discussed above and store it innon-volatile memory to control various aspects of video configuration,e.g. the spatial relationship between the video input and theelectrodes. The software can also load a previously used videoconfiguration file from the VPU 20 for adjustment.

The Fitting System can be connected to the Psychophysical Test System(PTS), located for example on a dedicated laptop 30, in order to runpsychophysical experiments. In psychophysics mode, the Fitting Systemenables individual electrode control, permitting clinicians to constructtest stimuli with control over current amplitude, pulse-width, andfrequency of the stimulation. In addition, the psychophysics moduleallows the clinician to record subject responses. The PTS may include acollection of standard psychophysics experiments developed using forexample MATLAB (MathWorks) software and other tools to allow theclinicians to develop customized psychophysics experiment scripts.

Using the psychophysics module, important perceptual parameters such asperceptual threshold, maximum comfort level, and spatial location ofpercepts may be reliably measured. Based on these perceptual parameters,the fitting software enables custom configuration of the transformationbetween video image and spatio-temporal electrode stimulation parametersin an effort to optimize the effectiveness of the retinal prosthesis foreach subject.

The Fitting System laptop 10 of FIG. 9 may be connected to the VPU 20using an optically isolated serial connection adapter 40. Because it isoptically isolated, the serial connection adapter 40 assures that noelectric leakage current can flow from the Fitting System laptop 10 inthe even of a fault condition.

As shown in FIG. 9, the following components may be used with theFitting System according to the present disclosure. The Video ProcessingUnit (VPU) 20 for the subject being tested, a Charged Battery 25 for VPU20, the Glasses 5, a Fitting System (FS) Laptop 10, a PsychophysicalTest System (PTS) Laptop 30, a PTS CD (not shown), a CommunicationAdapter (CA) 40, a USB Drive (Security) (not shown), a USB Drive(Transfer) 47, a USB Drive (Video Settings) (not shown), a Patient InputDevice (RF Tablet) 50, a further Patient Input Device (Jog Dial) 55,Glasses Cable 15, CA-VPU Cable 70, FS-CA Cable 45, FS-PTS Cable 46, Four(4) Port USB Hub 47, Mouse 60, Test Array system 80, Archival USB Drive49, an Isolation Transformer (not shown), adapter cables (not shown),and an External Monitor (not shown).

With continued reference to FIG. 9, the external components of theFitting System may be configured as follows. The battery 25 is connectedwith the VPU 20. The PTS Laptop 30 is connected to FS Laptop 10 usingthe FS-PTS Cable 46. The PTS Laptop 30 and FS Laptop 10 are plugged intothe Isolation Transformer (not shown) using the Adapter Cables (notshown). The Isolation Transformer is plugged into the wall outlet. Thefour (4) Port USB Hub 47 is connected to the FS laptop 10 at the USBport. The mouse 60 and the two Patient Input Devices 50 and 55 areconnected to four (4) Port USB Hubs 47. The FS laptop 10 is connected tothe Communication Adapter (CA) 40 using the FS-CA Cable 45. The CA 40 isconnected to the VPU 20 using the CA-VPU Cable 70. The Glasses 5 areconnected to the VPU 20 using the Glasses Cable 15.

In one exemplary embodiment, the Fitting System shown in FIG. 9 may beused to configure system stimulation parameters and video processingstrategies for each subject outfitted with the visual prosthesisapparatus of FIG. 1. The fitting application, operating system, laptops10 and 30, isolation unit and VPU 20 may be tested and configurationcontrolled as a system. The software provides modules for electrodecontrol, allowing an interactive construction of test stimuli withcontrol over amplitude, pulse width, and frequency of the stimulationwaveform of each electrode in the Retinal stimulation system 1. Theseparameters are checked to ensure that maximum charge per phase limits,charge balance, and power limitations are met before the test stimuliare presented to the subject. Additionally, these parameters may bechecked a second time by the VPU 20's firmware. The Fitting System shownin FIG. 7 may also provide a psychophysics module for administering aseries of previously determined test stimuli to record subject'sresponses. These responses may be indicated by a keypad 50 and orverbally. The psychophysics module may also be used to reliably measureperceptual parameters such as perceptual threshold, maximum comfortlevel, and spatial location of percepts. These perceptual parameters maybe used to custom configure the transformation between the video imageand spatio-temporal electrode stimulation parameters thereby optimizingthe effectiveness of the visual prosthesis for each subject. The FittingSystem is fully described in the related application U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/796,425, filed on Apr. 27, 2007, (Applicant's Docket No.S401-USA) which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The visual prosthesis apparatus of FIG. 1 may operate in two modes: i)stand-alone mode and ii) communication mode

Stand-Alone Mode

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 10, in the stand-alone mode, the videocamera 12, on the glasses 5, captures a video image that is sent to theVPU 20. The VPU 20 processes the image from the camera 12 and transformsit into electrical stimulation patterns that are transmitted to theexternal coil 14. The external coil 14 sends the electrical stimulationpatterns and power via radio-frequency (RF) telemetry to the implantedretinal stimulation system 1 (FIGS. 2 and 3). The internal coil 116 ofthe retinal stimulation system 1 receives the RF commands from theexternal coil 14 and transmits them to the electronics package 4 that inturn delivers stimulation to the retina via the electrode array 2.Additionally, the retinal stimulation system 1 may communicate safetyand operational status back to the VPU 20 by transmitting RF telemetryfrom the internal coil 116 to the external coil 14. The visualprosthesis apparatus of FIG. 1 may be configured to electricallyactivate the retinal stimulation system 1 only when it is powered by theVPU 20 through the external coil 14. The stand-alone mode may be usedfor clinical testing and/or at-home use by the subject.

Communication Mode

The communication mode may be used for diagnostic testing,psychophysical testing, patient fitting and downloading of stimulationsettings to the VPU 20 before transmitting data from the VPU 20 to theretinal stimulation system 1 as is done for example in the stand-alonemode described above. Referring to FIG. 9, in the communication mode,the VPU 20 is connected to the Fitting System laptop 10 using cables 70,45 and the optically isolated serial connection adapter 40. In thismode, laptop 10 generated stimuli may be presented to the subject andprogramming parameters may be adjusted and downloaded to the VPU 20. ThePsychophysical Test System (PTS) laptop 30 connected to the FittingSystem laptop 10 may also be utilized to perform more sophisticatedtesting and analysis as fully described in the related application U.S.application Ser. No. 11/796,425, filed on Apr. 27, 2007, (Applicant'sDocket No. S401-USA) which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

In one embodiment, the functionality of the retinal stimulation system 1can also be tested pre-operatively and intra-operatively (i.e. beforeoperation and during operation) by using an external coil 14, withoutthe glasses 5, placed in close proximity to the retinal stimulationsystem 1. The coil 14 may communicate the status of the retinalstimulation system 1 to the VPU 20 that is connected to the FittingSystem laptop 10 as shown in FIG. 9.

As discussed above, the VPU 20 processes the image from the camera 12and transforms the image into electrical stimulation patterns for theretinal stimulation system 1. Filters such as edge detection filters maybe applied to the electrical stimulation patterns for example by the VPU20 to generate, for example, a stimulation pattern based on filteredvideo data that the VPU 20 turns into stimulation data for the retinalstimulation system 1. The images may then be reduced in resolution usinga downscaling filter. In one exemplary embodiment, the resolution of theimage may be reduced to match the number of electrodes in the electrodearray 2 of the retinal stimulation system 1. That is, if the electrodearray has, for example, sixty electrodes, the image may be reduced to asixty channel resolution. After the reduction in resolution, the imageis mapped to stimulation intensity using for example a look-up tablethat has been derived from testing of individual subjects. Then, the VPU20 transmits the stimulation parameters via forward telemetry to theretinal stimulation system 1 in frames that may employ a cyclicredundancy check (CRC) error detection scheme.

In one exemplary embodiment, the VPU 20 may be configured to allow thesubject/patient i) to turn the visual prosthesis apparatus on and off,ii) to manually adjust settings, and iii) to provide power and data tothe retinal stimulation system 1. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the VPU20 may comprise a case 800, power button 805 for turning the VPU 20 onand off, setting button 810, zoom buttons 820 for controlling the camera12, connector port 815 for connecting to the Glasses 5, a connector port816 for connecting to the laptop 10 through the connection adapter 40,indicator lights 825 to give visual indication of operating status ofthe system, the rechargeable battery 25 for powering the VPU 20, batterylatch 831 for locking the battery 25 in the case 800, digital circuitboards (not shown), and a speaker (not shown) to provide audible alertsto indicate various operational conditions of the system. Because theVPU 20 is used and operated by a person with minimal or no vision, thebuttons on the VPU 20 may be differently shaped and/or have specialmarkings as shown in FIG. 12 to help the user identify the functionalityof the button without having to look at it. As shown in FIG. 12, thepower button 805 may be a circular shape while the settings button 820may be square shape and the zoom buttons 820 may have special raisedmarkings 830 to also identify each buttons functionality. One skilled inthe art would appreciate that other shapes and markings can be used toidentify the buttons without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. For example, the markings can be recessed instead of raised.

In one embodiment, the indicator lights 825 may indicate that the VPU 20is going through system start-up diagnostic testing when the one or moreindicator lights 825 are blinking fast (more then once per second) andare green in color. The indicator lights 825 may indicate that the VPU20 is operating normally when the one or more indicator lights 825 areblinking once per second and are green in color. The indicator lights825 may indicate that the retinal stimulation system 1 has a problemthat was detected by the VPU 20 at start-up diagnostic when the one ormore indicator lights 825 are blinking for example once per five secondand are green in color. The indicator lights 825 may indicate that thevideo signal from camera 12 is not being received by the VPU 20 when theone or more indicator lights 825 are always on and are amber color. Theindicator lights 825 may indicate that there is a loss of communicationbetween the retinal stimulation system 1 and the external coil 14 due tothe movement or removal of Glasses 5 while the system is operational orif the VPU 20 detects a problem with the retinal stimulation system 1and shuts off power to the retinal stimulation system 1 when the one ormore indicator lights 825 are always on and are orange color. Oneskilled in the art would appreciate that other colors and blinkingpatterns can be used to give visual indication of operating status ofthe system without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In one embodiment, a single short beep from the speaker (not shown) maybe used to indicate that one of the buttons 825, 805 or 810 have beenpressed. A single beep followed by two more beeps from the speaker (notshown) may be used to indicate that VPU 20 is turned off. Two beeps fromthe speaker (not shown) may be used to indicate that VPU 20 is startingup. Three beeps from the speaker (not shown) may be used to indicatethat an error has occurred and the VPU 20 is about to shut downautomatically. As would be clear to one skilled in the are differentperiodic beeping may also be used to indicate a low battery voltagewarning, that there is a problem with the video signal, and/or there isa loss of communication between the retinal stimulation system 1 and theexternal coil 14. One skilled in the art would appreciate that othersounds can be used to give audio indication of operating status of thesystem without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, the beeps may be replaced by an actual prerecorded voiceindicating operating status of the system.

In one exemplary embodiment, the VPU 20 is in constant communicationwith the retinal stimulation system 1 through forward and backwardtelemetry. In this document, the forward telemetry refers totransmission from VPU 20 to the retinal stimulation system 1 and thebackward telemetry refers to transmissions from the Retinal stimulationsystem 1 to the VPU 20. During the initial setup, the VPU 20 maytransmit null frames (containing no stimulation information) until theVPU 20 synchronizes with the Retinal stimulation system 1 via the backtelemetry. In one embodiment, an audio alarm may be used to indicatewhenever the synchronization has been lost.

In order to supply power and data to the Retinal stimulation system 1,the VPU 20 may drive the external coil 14 with a 3 MHz signal. Toprotect the subject, the retinal stimulation system 1 may comprise afailure detection circuit to detect direct current leakage and to notifythe VPU 20 through back telemetry so that the visual prosthesisapparatus can be shut down.

One exemplary embodiment of the VPU 20 is shown in FIGS. 13-1, 13-2,13-3 and 13-4. As shown in FIGS. 13-1, 13-2, 13-3 and 13-4, the VPU 20may comprise: a Power Supply, a Distribution and Monitoring Circuit(PSDM) 1005, a Reset Circuit 1010, a System Main Clock (SMC) source (notshown), a Video Preprocessor Clock (VPC) source (not shown), a DigitalSignal Processor (DSP) 1020, Video Preprocessor Data Interface 1025, aVideo Preprocessor 1075, an I²C Protocol Controller 1030, a ComplexProgrammable Logic device (CPLD) (not shown), a Forward TelemetryController (FTC) 1035, a Back Telemetry Controller (BTC) 1040,Input/Output Ports 1045, Memory Devices like a Parallel Flash Memory(PFM) 1050 and a Serial Flash Memory (SFM) 1055, a Real Time Clock 1060,an RF Voltage and Current Monitoring Circuit (VIMC) 1071, a speakerand/or a buzzer (not shown), an RF receiver 1065, and an RF transmitter1070.

In one exemplary embodiment, the VPU 20 is a battery 25 poweredmicro-controller-based video processing and radio-frequency (RF)transceiver system. The VPU 20 may be comprised of a digital circuit forprocessing video from camera 12 (see FIG. 10) and an RF circuit 1501,shown in FIG. 13-1, to facilitate 2-way communication with the retinalstimulation system 1. In one exemplary embodiment, the RF circuit 1501may be mounted in the enclosure 1510 on the visor/Classes 5 in closeproximity to the retinal stimulation system 1 while the digital circuitof the VPU 20 can be remotely located in a case 800 shown in FIGS. 11A-Eand described below. The mechanical design, shown in FIG. 10, mayinclude a multiple-conductor cable 15 linking the VPU 20 and RF circuits1501 disposed in the mounting system 16 as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the RF circuits 1501 may further compriseall the elements shown in FIGS. 13-1 to 13-4 that are disposed on thevisor/Classes 5 in the mounting system 16.

In an exemplary embodiment, the digital circuit of the VPU 20 accepts anincoming analog video stream from a small camera 12 mounted on theGlasses 5, which may have the appearance of a pair of sunglasses. Theanalog video stream from the camera 12 is converted to a digital videostream by the Video Preprocessor 1075 of the VPU 20. The digital videostream is then stored into memory as individual video frames typicallyby means of a direct memory access (DMA) circuit specifically designedto accept digital video, called the video preprocessor data interface(VDPI) 1025 shown in FIG. 13-4. The VDPI 1025 of the VPU 20 processesthe video frames stored in its memory into packets of stimulationinformation. The stimulation information is passed to the RF circuit1501 via a serial port and an encoder circuit within the forwardtelemetry controller (FTC) 1035. The RF transmitter circuit 1070receives the stimulation information and transmits it to the retinalstimulation system 1 via a magnetically coupled coil 14. The RF signalwithin the coil 14 has sufficient strength to power the retinalstimulation system 1. The RF circuit 1501 is also capable of receivingback-telemetry information (containing status and safety related data)from the retinal stimulation system 1 via a coil connected to a receivercircuit 1065. The received data is passed to a decoder circuit withinthe back telemetry controller (BTC) 1040 and then to a serial port,which allows the VDPI 1025 to examine the received data. The powersupply, distribution and monitoring circuit (PSDM) 1005 generates all ofthe appropriate voltages and contains a programmable power supply forthe RF circuit 1501 to allow adjustment of the power level to theretinal stimulation system 1.

The Power Supply, Distribution and Monitoring Circuit (PSDM) 1005 mayregulate a variable battery voltage to several stable voltages thatapply to components of the VPU 20. The Power Supply, Distribution andMonitoring Circuit (PSDM) 1005 may also provide low battery monitoringand depleted battery system cutoff. The PSDM 1005 may be configured toprovide Digital Circuit Voltage (VDD) 3.3±0.1V@300 mA; 300 mV ripple.The PSDM 1005 may be configured to provide DSP Core Voltage (CVDD1)1.6±0.1V@100 mA; 200 mV ripple. The PSDM 1005 may be configured toprovide CPLD Core Voltage (CVDD2) 1.8±0.1V@50 mA; 200 mV ripple. ThePSDM 1005 may be configured to provide Abalog Voltage (VA) 3.3±0.1V@100mA; 300 mV ripple. The PSDM 1005 may be configured to provide CameraVoltage (V_(CAM)) 5.0±0.25V@100 mA; 300 mV ripple. The PSDM 1005 may beconfigured to provide RF Voltage 185 mV/step (V_(rf))4.75V·10.5V±0.3V@75 mA; 300 mV ripple. The PSDM 1005 may be configuredto provide Fixed Voltage (FV) 3.3±0.1V@25 mA; 100 mV ripple. In oneexemplary embodiment, the RF voltage (V_(rf)) may be fused on the RFcircuit as a failsafe mechanism to protect against excessive current incase of a malfunction.

In one exemplary embodiment, the VPU 20 stops providing power/data tothe retinal stimulation system 1 and/or turns itself off when the PSDM1005 detects that the battery 25's (FIG. 10) voltage decreases to apredetermined voltage. The predetermined voltage may, for example, be6.75±0.4 volts. In one exemplary embodiment, the battery 25's voltagemay be fused at the battery connector (not shown) as a fail-safemechanism to protect against excessive current in case of malfunction.In another exemplary embodiment, the battery 25's drain current may beless than 1 mA when VPU 20 is turned off.

The Reset Circuit 1010 may have reset inputs 1011 that are able toinvoke a system level reset. For example, the reset inputs 1011 may befrom a manual push-button reset, a watchdog timer expiration, and/orfirmware based shutdown. The manual push-button reset may be, forexample, low active when pulse width is >1 ms. The watchdog timer resetmay be activated when the watchdog timer is not reset within apredetermined expiration time, wherein the watchdog timer should bereset every 1.0 seconds or less if the expiration time ranges, forexample, from 1.0 to 2.25 seconds. The firmware-based shutdown may beactivated when the firmware evokes, for example, a falling edge signal.

The System Main Clock (SMC) source is a clock source for DSP 1020 andCPLD. The SMC may be, for example, 11.7846 MHz+/−50 ppm. The VideoPreprocessor Clock (VPC) source is a clock source for the VideoProcessor and the VPC may be, for example, 24.576 MHz+/−50 ppm.

The DSP 1020 may act as the central processing unit of the VPU 20. Inone exemplary embodiment, the DSP 1020 is a Texas Instruments (TI) TMS320VC5416PGE160. “TMS320VC5416PGE160 Fixed-Point Digital SignalProcessor Data Manual” from TI is incorporated herein by reference. TheDSP 1020 may communicate with the rest of the components of the VPU 20through parallel and serial interfaces. The parallel interface of theDSP 1020 may create a Program Space (PS), a Data Space (DS) andInput/Output Space (IOS), wherein the executable code is allocated toPS, the data is allocated to the DS and I/O devices are allocated toIOS. The serial interface DSP 1020 may contain three Multi-channelBuffered Serial Ports (McBSPs), wherein McBSP0 is configured incontinuous clock mode for PC communication, McBSP1 is configured innon-continuous clock Serial Port Interface (SPI) mode for interface tothe serial flash memory, and McBSP2 is configured in continuous clockmode for the RF transceiver.

The Video Processor 1075 may convert the NTSC signal from the camera 12into a down-scaled resolution digital image format. In one exemplaryembodiment, the Video Processor 1075 is a Philips SemiconductorSAA7114H. The Video Processor 1075 may comprise a video decoder (notshown) for converting the NTSC signal into high-resolution digitizedimage and a video scaler (not shown) for scaling down thehigh-resolution digitized image from the video decoder to anintermediate digitized image resolution. The video decoder of the VideoProcessor 1075 may be composed of an Analog Input Processing,Chrominance and Luminance Processing and Brightness Contrast andSaturation (BSC) Control circuits. The video scaler may be composed ofAcquisition control, Pre-scaler, BSC-control, Line Buffer and OutputInterface.

The I²C Protocol Controller 1030 may serve as a link between the DSP1020 and the I²C bus. In one exemplary embodiment, the I²C ProtocolController 1030 is a Philips Semiconductor PCA9564. The I²C ProtocolController 1030 may be able to convert the parallel bus interface of theDSP 1020 to the I²C protocol bus or vise versa. The I²C ProtocolController 1030 may also be connected to the Video Processor 1075having, for example, a Read Address 43H and a Write Adress 42H and theI²C Protocol Controller 1030 may be connected to the Real Time Clock1060 wherein the clock control registers use, for example, read address0DFH and write address 0DEH and wherein the EEPROM array uses, forexample, read address 0AFH and a write address 0AEH.

The Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) (not shown) furnishes thephysical device for the multiple digital logic circuits. Memory spaceallocation: the executable code may be mapped to parallel flash memorydevice that is located at off-DSP space (PS 00000H˜7FFFFH). Theperipheral devices may be mapped to IOS as follows: Status/Timeput Portof the I²C communication device may be mapped to 2000H; Data Port of theI²C communication device may be mapped to 2001H; Own Address Port of theI²C communication device may be mapped to 2002H; and Control Port of the12C communication device may be mapped to 2003H; Input port1 of the CPLDdevice may be mapped to 4000H; Inputport2 of the CPLD device may bemapped to 4001H; VideoDataInput of the CPLD device may be mapped to4002H; CPLDVersion of the CPLD device may be mapped to 4003H;VideoLineCount of the CPLD device may be mapped to 4004H; OutputPort1 ofthe CPLD device may be mapped to 4008H; OutputPort2 of the CPLD devicemay be mapped to 400AH; OutputPort3 of the CPLD device may be mapped to400BH; ADconvst of the CPLD device may be mapped to 6000H; ADCeN[1..0]of the CPLD device may be mapped to 8000˜8003H; and KeypadInput of theCPLD device may be mapped to A000H.

The VPDI 1025 may contain a tri-state machine to shift video data fromVideo Preprocessor 1075 to the DSP 1020. Signal ITRDY of the VPDI 1025may be connected to Video Chip 1075 and DSP 1020 and may be used toindicate the status of shifting and to facilitate rapid response intransferring video data. In one exemplary embodiment, a high levelsignal ITRDY indicates to VPU 20 that VPDI 1025 is empty and ready toaccept next data, and a low level signal ITRDY indicates to the VPU 20that VPDI 1025 is full and the Video Preprocessor 1075 should hold inthe Video Preprocessor 1075's internal FIFO (not shown). In oneexemplary embodiment, the VPDI 1025 may have a coupling signal FreeVideothat enables or disables the VPDI 1025's functionality.

The Forward Telemetry Controller (FTC) 1035 of FIG. 13-1 may pack 1024bits of forward telemetry data into a forward telemetry frame. The FTC1035 retrieves the forward telemetry data from the DSP 1020's McBSP2port and converts the data from logic level to biphase marked data. TheFTC 1035 may generate BCLKX2 and BFSX2 signals to the DSP 1020's MCBSP2port. In one exemplary embodiment, the BCLKX2 signal may be a serialdata clock or forward telemetry data and the BFSX2 signal may be an FXframe synchronization signal that may indicate that a first bit of each16-bit word is generated by the serial part (MCBSP2). To improvereliability of data transmission, the FTC 1035 may also convert a logic‘1’ to a double bit frequency signal and a logic ‘0’ to as single bitfrequency signal. In one exemplary embodiment, logic ‘1’ may beconverted to two (2) logic level transitions between the data clocksignal (double frequency) and logic ‘0’ may be converted to one (1)transition (single frequency). The word data in the DSP 1020 may besynchronized with the FTC 1035's counter through Frame Counter Starter(FCS) (not shown). The FTC 1035 may also have logic circuit for decodinga specific pattern of 1's and zeros (for example, 0100 1110 1010 0011)that indicate the beginning of a forward telemetry frame. As soon as theFTC 1035 receives a predefined word, FTC 1035's line counter begins tocount down and is ready to accept the forward telemetry data. In oneexemplary embodiment, the FTC 1035 may have an FTC reset functionalitythat causes the FTC 1035 to reset upon VPU 20's start up.

The Back Telemetry Controller (BTC) 1040 retrieves the biphase markeddata from the RF receiver 1065, decodes it, and generates the BFSR andbit clock (BCLKR) for the DSP 1020's McBSP2 interface. The BCLKR may begenerated based on a decoded biphase marked data. In one exemplaryembodiment, the biphase marked data may be received from the retinalstimulation system 1 and may be converted similarly to FTC 1035. TheBack Telemetry Controller (BTC) 1040 may also have a header detector(not shown) that monitors decoded data for predefined word header, forexample, “11111111111111110.” Upon detection of the predefined wordheader, a back telemetry word frame BFSR signal may be pulsed. If theBFSR signal occurs greater than 32 bits apart, an error bit may be set.The BFSR and BCLKR signal DSP 1020's McBSP2 port to receive data on theBDR2 input. The date rate on the BDR2 input may be 3.84±0.2 Kbps. Errorbits may be set of the rate of modulation state change too fast or tooslow.

The Input/Output Ports 1045 provide expanded 10 functions to access theCPLD on-chip and off-chip devices. An InputPort1 (see Table 1) of theInput/Output Ports 1045 may have an address IOS 4000h and may provideoff chip input access. An InputPort2 (see Table 2) of the Input/OutputPorts 1045 may have an address IOS 4001h and may provide off chip inputaccess. A VideoDataInput (see Table 3) of the Input/Output Ports 1045may have an address IOS 4002h and may provide on chip input access. ACPLD_Version (see Table 4) of the Input/Output Ports 1045 may have anaddress IOS 4003h and may provide on chip input access. A VideoLineCount(see Table 5) of the Input/Output Ports 1045 may have an address IOS4004h and may provide on chip input access. An OutputPort1 (see Table 6)of the Input/Output Ports 1045 may have an address IOS 4008h and mayprovide on chip and off chip output access. The initial value of theOutputPort1 may be 0000h at system reset. An OutputPort2 (see Table 7)of the Input/Output Ports 1045 may have an address IOS 400Ah and mayprovide on chip output access. The initial value OutputPort2 may be0001h at system reset. An ADconvst (see Table 8) of the Input/OutputPorts 1045 may have an address IOS 6000h and may provide off chip outputaccess. An ADCeN (see Table 9) of the Input/Output Ports 1045 may havean address IOS 8000H˜8003H and may provide off-chip input access. AnOutputPort3 (see Table 10) of the Input/Output Ports 1045 may have anaddress IOS 400Bh and may provide off-chip output access. The initialvalue of the OutputPort3 may be 0000h at system reset. A KeypadInput(see Table 11) of the Input/Output Ports 1045 may have an address IOSA000h and may provide off chip input access.

TABLE 1 InputPort1 Definition Bit Function 0 Reserved 1 Frame Sync SlowDetect 1. 1 = Slow Frame Sync Detected (greater than 32 bits apart), 0 =Slow Frame Sync not detected. Write a zero to this bit or system resetto clear it. 2 Slow Modulation rate detect (greater than 348 usec perstate). 1 = Slow modulation rate detected, 0 = Slow modulation rate notdetected. Write a zero to bit 2 or bit 3 at this address or system resetto clear this bit. 3 Fast Modulation rate detect (between 43.5 and 87usec per state). 1 = Fast modulation rate detected, 0 = Fast modulationrate not detected. Write a zero to bit 2 or bit 3 at this address orsystem reset to clear this bit. 4 Watchdog status. 1 = Watchdog timerhas not expired. 0 = Watchdog timer has expired. This bit is set to the1 state when the watchdog timer is subsequently reset. 5 0 6 0 7 0

TABLE 2 InputPort2 Definition Bit Function 0 CA detection. 1 = CAconnection is detected, 0 = CA connection is not detected. 1 Low BatteryDetection. 1 = Normal battery voltage, 0 = Low Battery is detected. 2Reserved 3 Connect Verify. 1 = Camera/RF connector not connected, 0 =Camera/RF connector connected. 4 Utility Key 8. 0 = Key not depressed, 1= Key depressed 5 Program/Run Switch Position. 1 = Switch in Programposition, 0 = Switch in Run position. 6 Reserved 7 Reserved

TABLE 3 VideoDataInput Definition Bit Function 0~7 Video data input port

TABLE 4 CPLD_Version Definition Bit Function 0~7 CPLD Version number, 8bits

TABLE 5 VideoLine Count Definition Bit Function 0~7 NTSC line counter.An 8-bit counter to count the NTSC line

TABLE 6 OutputPort1 Definition Bit Function 0~4 RF power control. 00000= 4.75 +/− 0.3 V, 11111 = 10.5 +/− 0.3 V 5 System Running LED Indicator.1 = turn the System Running LED on, 0 = turn the System Running LED off.6 RF Link LED Indicator. 1 = turn the RF Link LED on, 0 = turn the RFLink off. 7 Camera Disconnect LED Indicator. 1 = turn the LED on, 0 =turn the LED off

TABLE 7 OutputPort2 Definition Bit Function 0 freeVideo, the VPDIcoupling signal. 1 = VPDI is disabled, 0 = VPDI is enabled 1~2 Reserved3 Shutdown, normally 0, set to 1 for at least 1 msec and then back to 0to force a system shutdown 4 Reserved 5~6 Forward Telemetry BFSX signalstart signal, 11 = command the BFSX to generate the word frame signal,00 = no BFSX word frame signal. May be changed from 00 to 11 within onesystem bus cycle 7 Carrier enable. 1 = enable the carrier clock to theRF circuit and the BCLK to McBSP2, 0 = disable carrier clock and BCLKwhich are forced to output a low signal state

TABLE 8 ADconvst Definition Bit Function 0~7 AD converter sampling starttrigger signal. Access of this port does not cause any data transferbetween DSP, CPLD and AD converter. A low-active 50-300 nsec pulse froma dummy read access is used to trigger the AD converter to sample thesignal

TABLE 9 ADCeN Definition Address Bit Function 8000H 0~7 Read present A/Ddata and select Channel 1 (the Vrf current) for the subsequent A/Dsample. Each count for channel 1 data may represent 2.35 mA; the rangemay be 0 to 602 mA 8001H 0~7 Read present A/D data and select Channel 2(the Vrf voltage) for the subsequent A/D sample. Each count for channel2 data may represent 43.32 mV; the range may be 0 to 11.05 V 8002H 0~7Reserved 8003H 0~7 Reserved

TABLE 10 OutputPort3 Definition Bit Function 0 A/D converter powerup/down, 0 = power down, 1 = power up 1 Vrf control, 0 = Vrf poweredoff, 1 = Vrf powered on 2 Watchdog counter reset signal. The watchdogcounter is reset when the state of this bit is changed 3~5 Reserved 6Buzzer control, 1 = turn the buzzer on, 0 = turn the buzzer off 7Reserved

TABLE 11 KeypadInput Definition Bit Function 0 Utility Key 0. 1 = Keynot depressed, 0 = Key depressed 1 Utility Key 1. 1 = Key not depressed,0 = Key depressed 2 Utility Key 2. 1 = Key not depressed, 0 = Keydepressed 3 Utility Key 3. 1 = Key not depressed, 0 = Key depressed 4Utility Key 4. 1 = Key not depressed, 0 = Key depressed 5 Utility Key 5.1 = Key not depressed, 0 = Key depressed 6 Utility Key 6. 1 = Key notdepressed, 0 = Key depressed 7 Utility Key 7. 1 = Key not depressed, 0 =Key depressed

In one exemplary embodiment, the buzzer (Table 10) may be from SobertonInc. part number ST-03BL audio buzzer that operates at 2.3 KHz. Thebuzzer may provide a sound pressure level of 68-82 dB at 5 cm distancewithout an enclosure.

The VPU 20 shown in FIGS. 11-12 and 13-1-13-4 may haveattachable/detachable ports 815-816 shown in FIGS. 11-12 to connectseveral peripheral units. The connectors are classified as functionalconnectors, e.g. port 815 and development connectors. The functionalconnectors link the functional peripheral devices, for example, Glasses5 of FIG. 6 to the VPU 20 to furnish a production level function for thesystem. The development connectors may be used when the system is underdevelopment phase.

The Power Connector 821 shown in FIGS. 11F-11G (connector under thebattery 25 in FIG. 1A) is a functional connector that connects thebattery 25 to the VPU 20. Port 815 is a functional Camera/RF Connector.Port 815 may contain 12 pins (identified in Table 12 below) to provideconnection for the camera 12 and external coil 14 on the Glasses 5. Theport 815 may be protected such that port 815 will withstand anindefinite short to the camera 12's power. The power connector and theport 815 may be mechanically keyed to prevent improper installation.

TABLE 12 Camera/RF Connector Pin Definition Pin Name Type Function 1 VrfPower RF voltage source 2 RF_GND Power Ground return for RF voltagesource 3 BK_TEL Input Back Telemetry Data from RF Board 4 Carrier OutputCarrier signal to RF Board 5 Data Output Forward Telemetry data to RFBoard 6 Connect Input Status pin for verification of Camera/RF Verifyconnection 7 DGND Power Ground return for signals on pin 3 through 6 andpin 8 8 Equip Sync Output 9 Camera Power Power for the camera. Equal tothe battery Power voltage, and is switched off when the system powersupplies are shut down 10 AGND Power Ground return for camera power 11Video In Input Video input from the camera 12 AGND Power Ground returnfor the camera video

The Parallel Flash Memory (PFM) 1050 may be used to store executablecode and the Serial Flash Memory (SFM) 1055 may provide Serial PortInterface SPI for data storage. The PFM 1050 may be implemented using,for example, Intel TE28F160B3TD70. The PFM 1050 is connected to theaddress and data bus. The PFM may contain 512K words to map to anexecutable code space (PS) of the DSP 1020. A user-selectable switch(not shown) may be provided to enable or disable writing to the PFM1050. The SFM 1055 may be implemented using, for example,STMicroelectronics M25P80. The SFM 1055 may contain 16 independentlyerasable sectors, with each sector containing, for example, 64K bytes.

The Real Time Clock 1060 may be battery backed up real time clock thatis connected to the I²C bus. The Real Time Clock 1060 may be implementedusing, for example, Xicor X1226 that uses a 32.768 KHz crystal and draws600 nA from a 48 mAH primary lithium cell to keep the clock running whenthe VPU 20 is powered off. The Real Time Clock 1060 may contain 512bytes of flash EEPROM which may be programmed or read via the I²C bus.

The VIMC 1071 may be used to monitor the integrity status of the retinalstimulation system 1 by sampling and monitoring RF transmitter 1070'scurrent and voltage. The RF transmitter 1070's current may be convertedto voltage through a current sensitive resistor (not shown) of 100mohm+/−2%. The voltage drop across the sensitive resister is amplifiedby a current shunt monitor to 0˜2.0V of dynamic range. The voltage isbuffered for AD converting. Vrf may also be sent through a resistordivider for AD converting. The AD converter may have resolution of 8bits with a signal input range of 0˜2V. The conversion accuracy of theAD converter for measuring RF transmitter current and Vrf may be, forexample, ±3.6%.

Four external interrupt signals INT0 through INT3 may be input to theDSP 1020. The INT0 may have the highest priority and INT3 may have thelowest. The INT0 may be connected to the vertical sync output of theVideo Preprocessor 1075 to signal the start of a new video frame. TheINT1 may be connected to the Keypad interface of the IOP 1045 to signalwhen a key is depressed or released. The INT2 may be optional. The INT3may be connected to signal ITRDY of the VPDI 1025.

Port 816 of FIGS. 11A-E is an Ommetics Connector that is used to connectthe VPU 20 to the laptop 10 though the Communication Adapter (CA) 40 ofFIG. 9. The Omnetics Connector may have 10 pins (identified in Table 13below).

TABLE 13 Omnetics Connector Pin Definition Pin Name Type Function 1Transmit Output Transmit data to CA 40 Data 2 Vcc Input +3.3 V for powerto VPU side of CA opto- isolators 3 Ground Power Ground connection to CA4 DataCLK Output Data clock from CA 5 Receive Data Output Received datafrom CA 6 N/C Input No connection 7 FSR Input Frame Sync for receivedata from CA 8 Connect Line to verify connection of the CA Verify (low =connected, float = not connected) 9 N/C No connection 10 N/C Noconnection

Keypad Connector is a 14-conductor flat connector for in-system keypadand LED connection.

The following are examples of Development Connectors according to oneexemplary embodiment of the present application. A Programmable LogicDownload Connector is a development connector for downloading the jedfile from Xilinx WebPack to on-board CPLD. The Programmable LogicDownload Connector is compliant to JTAG, which is the commonly usedacronym for the Boundary Scan Test (BST) feature defined for integratedcircuits by IEEE Standard 1149.1. This standard defines input/outputpins, logic control functions, and commands that facilitate both boardand device level testing without the use of specialized test equipment.A DSP JTAG Connector is a development connector for linking the digitalboard to the DSP 1020 development system—Code Composer Studio. The DSPJTAG Connector is compliant to IEEE standard 1149.1. A Equipment Sync isa signal that is available through the Camera/RF connector port 815. TheEquipment Sync provides a pulse (width 1 ms, positive going and 3.3Vamplitude) to indicate that the first 16-bit word of a 1024 bit packetis being output by the forward telemetry logic.

The power button 805 of FIG. 12 may be used for turning the VPU 20on/off. In one exemplary embodiment, the power button 805 may bedepressed for a predetermined amount of time (for example 1.6±0.2seconds) before the VPU 20 actually powers up. In another exemplaryembodiment, the power button 805 may be depressed for anotherpredetermined amount of time (for example 1.6±0.2 seconds) before theVPU 20 actually powers down.

In one exemplary embodiment, a CMOS sensor 1073 that provides digitaloutput may be used instead of the camera 12 as shown in FIGS. 14-1 to14-4. The CMOS sensor 1073 may have within it, or be connected to ahigh-speed digital serial transmitter circuit such as one using the LowVoltage Differential Signal (LVDS) protocol. This serial data may bepassed through the multi-conductor cable to an LVDS receiver 1072, whichwould be used in place of the video decoder circuit 1075. The receiver1072 may perform serial-to-parallel conversion of the video data andthus provide the digital video stream to the VDPI circuit 1025. Thisembodiment may allow for elimination of the video decoder and may allowbetter control of the CMOS sensor 1073 via the programmable registersavailable within CMOS sensor 1073.

Due to the nature of the video data being processed, it may beadvantageous to use a digital signal processor (DSP) 1020 formicro-controller. DSPs 1020 are more adept at applying digital filteringalgorithms to the incoming video frames. For functions such as real-timecontrol of the voltage to the RF circuit 1501 or handling the userinterface, however, it is easier to program a general-purposemicro-controller (such as the ARM). It may be possible to use aso-called “dual core” device containing both an ARM (or other generalpurpose micro-controller) and a DSP. Each processor may be assigned tohandle the functions they best serve. To save space, it may be possibleto select a micro-controller that has the VDPI 1025 circuit built intoit.

The following concepts are supported by the present application:

Concept 1. A visual prosthesis apparatus comprising:

a video capture device for capturing a video image;

a video processing unit associated with the video capture device, thevideo processing unit configured to convert the video image tostimulation patterns; and

a retinal stimulation system configured to stimulate neural tissue in asubject's eye based on the stimulation patterns,

wherein the video processing unit is configured to be powered on after afirst time interval upon activation of a power button,

wherein the video processing unit is configured to be powered off aftera second time interval upon activation of a power button.

Concept 2. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 1, wherein thefirst time interval is about 1.6 seconds.Concept 3. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 1 or 2, whereinthe second time interval is about 1.6 seconds.Concept 4. A visual prosthesis apparatus comprising:

a video capture device for capturing a video image;

a video processing unit associated with the video capture device, thevideo processing unit comprising

-   -   a video processor for converting the video image to a digital        video stream;    -   a memory for storing the digital video stream;    -   a video preprocessor data interface for forming stimulation        patterns based on the stored digital video stream; and

a retinal stimulation system configured to stimulate neural tissue in asubject's eye based on the stimulation patterns.

Concept 5. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 4, wherein thevideo processing unit further comprises a power supply distribution andmonitoring circuit for generating appropriate voltages and adjustingpower level of the stimulation patterns transmitted to the retinalstimulation system.Concept 6. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 5, wherein thepower supply distribution and monitoring circuit is configured to turnoff the video processing unit if the power from a battery providingenergy to the video processing unit drops below a predetermined level.Concept 7. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 6, wherein thepredetermined level is about 6.75 volts.Concept 8. The visual prosthesis apparatus of any one of Concepts 4-7,wherein the video processing unit further comprises a reset circuit forresetting the video processing unit.Concept 9. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 8, wherein thereset circuit resets the video processing unit based on manualpush-button reset, watchdog timer expiration or firmware based shutdown.Concept 10. The visual prosthesis apparatus of any one of Concepts 4-9,wherein the video processing unit further comprises a digital signalprocessor for communicating with the video processor, the memory and thevideo preprocessor data interface.Concept 11. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 10, wherein thevideo processing unit further comprises a system main clock for thedigital signal processor.Concept 12. The visual prosthesis apparatus of any one of Concepts 4-11,wherein the video processor comprises:

a video decoder for converting the video image into a high-resolutiondigitized image; and

a video scaler for scaling down the high-resolution digitized image tothe digital video stream.

Concept 13. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 12, wherein thevideo decoder comprises:

an analog input processing circuit;

a chrominance and luminance processing circuit; and

a brightness contrast and saturation control circuit.

Concept 14. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 12 or 13, whereinthe video scaler comprises;

an acquisition control circuit;

a pre-scaler circuit;

a brightness contrast and saturation control circuit; and

line buffer and output interface.

Concept 15. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 10, wherein thevideo processor comprises:

an I²C protocol controller configured to convert parallel bus interfaceof the digital signal processor to I²C protocol bus or vice versa.

Concept 16. The visual prosthesis apparatus of any one of Concepts 4-15,wherein the video processor comprises:

a forward telemetry controller forming a forward telemetry frame for theretinal stimulation system; and

a back telemetry controller decoding backward telemetry frame from theretinal stimulation system.

Concept 17. The visual prosthesis apparatus of any one of Concepts 4-16,wherein the video processor comprises:

a parallel flash memory to store executable code; and

a serial flash memory to store data.

Concept 18. The visual prosthesis apparatus of any one of Concepts 4-17,wherein the video processor comprises:

a voltage and current monitoring circuit configured to monitor theintegrity status of the retinal stimulation system by sampling andmonitoring current and voltage of an RF transmitter.

Concept 19. The visual prosthesis apparatus of any one of Concepts 4-18,wherein the video capturing device is a video camera.Concept 20. The visual prosthesis apparatus of any one of Concepts 4-19,wherein the video capturing device is a CMOS sensor.Concept 21. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 20, wherein thevideo processor comprises a high-speed digital serial transmittercircuit associated with the CMOS sensor.Concept 22. The visual prosthesis apparatus of any one of Concepts 4-21,wherein the video processor comprises:

a digital signal processor configured to apply digital filteringalgorithms to the video image; and

a general-purpose micro-controller configured to provide real-timecontrol of voltage to an RF circuit or configured to control a userinterface.

Concept 23. A video processing unit configured to convert a video imageto stimulation patterns for stimulating neural tissue in a subject's eyeand comprising a power button, wherein the video processing unit isconfigured to be powered on after a first time interval upon activationof a power button, wherein the video processing unit is configured to bepowered off after a second time interval upon activation of a powerbutton.Concept 24. The video processing unit of Concept 23, wherein the firsttime interval is about 1.6 seconds.Concept 25. The video processing unit of Concept 23 or 24, wherein thesecond time interval is about 1.6 seconds.Concept 26. A video processing unit configured to convert a video imageto stimulation patterns for stimulating neural tissue in a subject'seye, the video processing unit comprising

a video processor for converting a video image to a digital videostream;

a memory for storing the digital video stream; and

a video preprocessor data interface for forming stimulation patternsbased on the stored digital video stream.

Concept 27. The video processing unit of Concept 26, wherein the videoprocessing unit further comprises a power supply distribution andmonitoring circuit for generating appropriate voltages and adjustingpower level of the stimulation patterns transmitted to a retinalstimulation system.Concept 28. The video processing unit of Concept 27, wherein the powersupply distribution and monitoring circuit is configured to turn off thevideo processing unit if the power from a battery providing energy tothe video processing unit drops below a predetermined level.Concept 29. The video processing unit of Concept 28, wherein thepredetermined level is about 6.75 volts.Concept 30. The video processing unit of any one of Concepts 26-29,wherein the video processing unit further comprises a reset circuit forresetting the video processing unit.Concept 31. The video processing unit of Concept 30, wherein the resetcircuit resets the video processing unit based on manual push-buttonreset, watchdog timer expiration or firmware based shutdown.Concept 32. The video processing unit of any one of Concepts 26-31,wherein the video processing unit further comprises a digital signalprocessor for communicating with the video processor, the memory and thevideo preprocessor data interface.Concept 33. The video processing unit of Concept 32, wherein the videoprocessing unit further comprises a system main clock for the digitalsignal processor.Concept 34. The video processing unit of any one of Concepts 26-33,wherein the video processor comprises:

a video decoder for converting the video image into a high-resolutiondigitized image; and

a video scaler for scaling down the high-resolution digitized image tothe digital video stream.

Concept 35. The video processing unit of Concept 34, wherein the videodecoder comprises:

an analog input processing circuit;

a chrominance and luminance processing circuit; and

a brightness contrast and saturation control circuit.

Concept 36. The video processing unit of Concept 34 or 35, wherein thevideo scaler comprises;

an acquisition control circuit;

a pre-scaler circuit;

a brightness contrast and saturation control circuit; and

line buffer and output interface.

Concept 37. The video processing unit of Concept 32, wherein the videoprocessor comprises:

an I²C protocol controller configured to convert parallel bus interfaceof the digital signal processor to I²C protocol bus or vice versa.

Concept 38. The video processing unit of any one of Concepts 26-37,wherein the video processor comprises:

a forward telemetry controller forming a forward telemetry frame for aretinal stimulation system; and

a back telemetry controller decoding backward telemetry frame from theretinal stimulation system.

Concept 39. The video processing unit of any one of Concepts 26-38,wherein the video processor comprises:

a parallel flash memory to store executable code; and

a serial flash memory to store data.

Concept 40. The video processing unit of any one of Concepts 26-39,wherein the video processor comprises:

a voltage and current monitoring circuit configured to monitor theintegrity status of a retinal stimulation system by sampling andmonitoring current and voltage of an RF transmitter.

Concept 41. The video processing unit of any one of Concepts 26-40,wherein the video processor comprises:

a digital signal processor configured to apply digital filteringalgorithms to the video image; and

a general-purpose micro-controller configured to provide real-timecontrol of voltage to an RF circuit or configured to control a userinterface.

Concept 42. A method for providing artificial vision, the methodcomprising:

powering a video processing unit a first amount of time after a powerbutton is activated; capturing a video image;

converting the video image to stimulation patterns using the videoprocessing unit; and

stimulating neural tissue in a subject's eye based on the stimulationpatterns.

Concept 43. The method of Concept 42, further comprising:

Powering off a video processing unit a second amount of time after apower button is activated.

Concept 44. The method of Concept 42 or 43, wherein the first amount oftime is about 1.6 seconds.Concept 45. The method of Concept 43 or 44, wherein the second amount oftime is about 1.6 seconds.Concept 46. A method for providing artificial vision, the methodcomprising:

capturing a video image;

converting the video image to a digital video stream;

storing the digital video stream;

forming stimulation patterns based on the stored digital video stream;and

stimulating neural tissue in a subject's eye based on the stimulationpatterns.

Concept 47. The method of Concept 46, further comprising:

generating appropriate voltages and adjusting power level of thestimulation patterns.

Concept 48. The method of Concept 46 or 47, further comprising turningoff power if the power from a battery drops below a predetermined level.Concept 49. The method of Concept 48, wherein the predetermined level isabout 6.75 volts.Concept 50. The method of any one of Concepts 46-49, further comprising:

converting the video image into a high-resolution digitized image; and

scaling down the high-resolution digitized image to the digital videostream.

Concept 51. The method of any one of Concepts 46-50, further comprising:

forming a forward telemetry frame for stimulating neural tissue in thesubject's eye.

Concept 52. The method of any one of Concepts 46-51, further comprising:

storing executable code in parallel flash memory; and

storing data in a serial flash memory.

Concept 53. A visual prosthesis apparatus comprising:

a video capture device for capturing a video image;

a video processing unit associated with the video capture device, thevideo processing unit configured to convert the video image tostimulation patterns; and

a retinal stimulation system configured to stimulate neural tissue in asubject's eye based on the stimulation patterns,

wherein the video processing unit is configured to be powered on after afirst time interval upon activation of a power button,

wherein the video processing unit is configured to be powered off aftera second time interval upon activation of a power button,

wherein the video processing unit is disposed on a visor.

Concept 54. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 53, wherein thefirst time interval is about 1.6 seconds.Concept 55. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 53 or 54, whereinthe second time interval is about 1.6 seconds.Concept 56. A visual prosthesis apparatus comprising:

a video capture device for capturing a video image;

a video processing unit associated with the video capture device, thevideo processing unit comprising

-   -   a video processor for converting the video image to a digital        video stream;    -   a memory for storing the digital video stream;    -   a video preprocessor data interface for forming stimulation        patterns based on the stored digital video stream; and

a retinal stimulation system configured to stimulate neural tissue in asubject's eye based on the stimulation patterns,

wherein the video processing unit is disposed on a visor.

Concept 57. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 56, wherein thevideo capturing device is a video camera.Concept 58. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 56, wherein thevideo capturing device is a CMOS sensor.Concept 59. The visual prosthesis apparatus of Concept 58, wherein thevideo processor comprises a high-speed digital serial transmittercircuit associated with the CMOS sensor.Concept 60. A video processing unit configured to convert a video imageto stimulation patterns for stimulating neural tissue in a subject's eyeand comprising a power button, wherein the video processing unit isconfigured to be powered on after a first time interval upon activationof a power button, wherein the video processing unit is configured to bepowered off after a second time interval upon activation of a powerbutton, wherein the video processing unit is disposed on a visor.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise. The term “plurality” includes two or morereferents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Unless definedotherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the samemeaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art towhich the disclosure pertains.

Accordingly, what has been shown is an improved visual prosthesis,improved method of stimulating neural tissue and an improved method forcontrolling a visual prosthesis. While the invention has been describedby means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, it isunderstood that numerous modifications and variations could be madethereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. It is therefore to be understood that withinthe scope of the claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise thanas specifically described herein.

1. A visual prosthesis apparatus comprising: a video capture device forcapturing a video image; a video processing unit associated with thevideo capture device, the video processing unit configured to convertthe video image to stimulation patterns; and a retinal stimulationsystem configured to stimulate neural tissue in a subject's eye based onthe stimulation patterns, wherein the video processing unit isconfigured to be powered on after a first time interval upon activationof a power button, wherein the video processing unit is configured to bepowered off after a second time interval upon activation of a powerbutton.
 2. The visual prosthesis apparatus of claim 1, wherein the firsttime interval or the second time interval is about 1.6 seconds.
 3. Thevisual prosthesis apparatus of claim 1, wherein the video processingunit is disposed on a visor.
 4. The visual prosthesis apparatus of claim1, wherein the video capturing device is a video camera or CMOS sensor.5. The visual prosthesis apparatus of claim 1, wherein the video capturedevice is a CMOS sensor, and wherein the video processing unit comprisesa high-speed digital serial transmitter circuit associated with the CMOSsensor.
 6. A visual prosthesis apparatus comprising: a video capturedevice for capturing a video image; a video processing unit associatedwith the video capture device, the video processing unit comprising avideo processor for converting the video image to a digital videostream; a memory for storing the digital video stream; a videopreprocessor data interface for forming stimulation patterns based onthe stored digital video stream; and a retinal stimulation systemconfigured to stimulate neural tissue in a subject's eye based on thestimulation patterns.
 7. The visual prosthesis apparatus of claim 6,wherein the video processing unit is disposed on a visor.
 8. The visualprosthesis apparatus of claim 6, wherein the video processing unitfurther comprises a power supply distribution and monitoring circuit forgenerating appropriate voltages and adjusting power level of thestimulation patterns transmitted to the retinal stimulation system. 9.The visual prosthesis apparatus of claim 8, wherein the power supplydistribution and monitoring circuit is configured to turn off the videoprocessing unit if the power from a battery providing energy to thevideo processing unit drops below a predetermined level.
 10. The visualprosthesis apparatus of claim 9, wherein the predetermined level isabout 6.75 volts.
 11. The visual prosthesis apparatus of claim 6,wherein the video processing unit further comprises a reset circuit forresetting the video processing unit.
 12. The visual prosthesis apparatusof claim 11, wherein the reset circuit resets the video processing unitbased on manual push-button reset, watchdog timer expiration or firmwarebased shutdown.
 13. The visual prosthesis apparatus of claim 6, whereinthe video processing unit further comprises a digital signal processorfor communicating with the video processor, the memory and the videopreprocessor data interface.
 14. The visual prosthesis apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the video processing unit further comprises a systemmain clock for the digital signal processor.
 15. The visual prosthesisapparatus of claim 6, wherein the video processor comprises: a videodecoder for converting the video image into a high-resolution digitizedimage; and a video scaler for scaling down the high-resolution digitizedimage to the digital video stream.
 16. The visual prosthesis apparatusof claim 15, wherein the video decoder comprises: an analog inputprocessing circuit; a chrominance and luminance processing circuit; anda brightness contrast and saturation control circuit.
 17. The visualprosthesis apparatus of claim 15, wherein the video scaler comprises; anacquisition control circuit; a pre-scaler circuit; a brightness contrastand saturation control circuit; and line buffer and output interface.18. The visual prosthesis apparatus of claim 13, wherein the videoprocessor comprises: an I²C protocol controller configured to convertparallel bus interface of the digital signal processor to I²C protocolbus or vice versa.
 19. The visual prosthesis apparatus of claim 6,wherein the video processor comprises: a forward telemetry controllerforming a forward telemetry frame for the retinal stimulation system;and a back telemetry controller decoding backward telemetry frame fromthe retinal stimulation system.
 20. The visual prosthesis apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the video processor comprises: a parallel flash memoryto store executable code; and a serial flash memory to store data. 21.The visual prosthesis apparatus of claim 6, wherein the video processorcomprises: a voltage and current monitoring circuit configured tomonitor the integrity status of the retinal stimulation system bysampling and monitoring current and voltage of an RF transmitter. 22.The visual prosthesis apparatus of claim 6, wherein the video capturingdevice is a video camera.
 23. The visual prosthesis apparatus of claim6, wherein the video capturing device is a CMOS sensor.
 24. The visualprosthesis apparatus of claim 23, wherein the video processor comprisesa high-speed digital serial transmitter circuit associated with the CMOSsensor.
 25. The visual prosthesis apparatus of claim 6, wherein thevideo processor comprises: a digital signal processor configured toapply digital filtering algorithms to the video image; and ageneral-purpose micro-controller configured to provide real-time controlof voltage to an RF circuit or configured to control a user interface.